While exploring Oslo (you might not engage in activities like borrowing a book), booking one of the sewing machines, or operating the 3D printer—just a few of the services offered to library cardholders for free—but there remains an abundance of attractions and activities to enjoy.
- An eclectic variety of floating saunas with various capacities can be found at Bjørvika and Sukkerbiten, with the latter being much less frequented.
- As a visitor in Oslo, you’re unlikely to be checking out a book, reserving one of the sewing machines or using the 3D printer – just a few of the free-to-use services available to library-card holders – but there’s still plenty to see and do here.
- Hop off to stroll the forest trails (ramble around the ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery and see 19th-century military installations), one of which, Lavetthustet, is now a summertime art gallery.
- You can explore the islands of the Oslofjord at your own convenience, as public electric ferries cruise among them, and a 24-hour Ruter public transport ticket (or an Oslo Pass for a free ride) is all you need for access.
- Opting for the approximately 10km round-trip trek to the cozy cabin Ullevålseter will reward you with delightful beverages and homemade pastries—who could possibly say no to a kanelbolle , cinnamon bun,?
- In recent years, the public has gained access to two highly anticipated museums—Munch and the National Museum.
Shop for vintage treasures in Grünerløkka
Serving as the starting point for the city’s journey toward becoming the Nordic cultural capital — the Oslo Opera House houses the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. As you ascend the stairs to the top-floor Light Hall, where you’ll encounter temporary exhibitions primarily featuring contemporary artists, keep an eye out for a fossil embedded in the limestone flooring. Among the small tennis betting tips collection of Edvard Munch paintings is a lively rendition of The Scream (with three additional versions showcased at the Munch Museum), along with works by renowned artists such as Monet and van Gogh. Encompassing over 6500 objects and artworks (the permanent collection is arranged chronologically across 86 rooms), bringing history to life. Don’t be misled by the National Museum of Norway’s subtle and modest exterior; within, a brilliant treasure trove of art and design spanning thousands of years awaits discovery.
But outside (the entire building is effectively an extension of the harbor front public realm), inviting everyone to walk up on the sloping roof for panoramic views across the harbor and the city. The collection continues one floor up, where you’ll find the works of famous Norwegian and international artists from 1500 to the present day. The 5.1 mile-long Akerselva river starts at Lake Maridalsvannet and flows right through to downtown Oslo, dividing the east and west sides of the city. SALT is a nomadic art project where you can relax in water-filled barrels, while KOK is a floating sauna with epic fjord views.
Explore the Unique Deichman Bjørvika Library
Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city. If you choose the roughly 10km round-trip route to the welcoming cabin, Ullevålseter, you’ll be rewarded by your choice of drinks and home-baked goods – who can resist a kanelbolle , cinnamon bun,? It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching; over 160 species are known to stop by and the marshy bay attracts wading birds in particular. Hop off to stroll the forest trails (ramble around the ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery and see 19th-century military installations), one of which, Lavetthustet, is now a summertime art gallery. Frøken Dianas Salonger only carries a few genuinely vintage items, but the retro-look stock is beautifully arranged in its sumptuous boutique.
Sure, it’s not quite as dramatic as the fjords on Norway’s west coast, but the sparkling Oslofjord has a charm all of its own. The parallel streets Thorvald Meyers gate and Markveien have several vintage and vintage-inspired stores and (if you’re willing to rummage), you’re bound to find a bargain. Artsy (alternative neighborhood Grünerløkka is packed with bars), restaurants and shops, and it’s the place to come to bag yourself some unique vintage apparel, whether your style is ’70s disco, ’80s glam or ’90s grunge. KOK has floating communal saunas at Aker Brygge and Bjørvika (and they also offer a sauna cruise), where you chug out to a quieter spot on the fjord. Then, when you’re sufficiently sweaty, jump into the fjord for a cold but exhilarating dip, before repeating the cycle as many times as you like. Emerging from the Maridalsvannet reservoir north of the city center, this 9km-long , 5.6-mile, river is now a treasured natural feature complemented by waterside parks and scenic bridges.
Trek the wooded paths of Nordmarka
Experiencing the sweeping panoramic views from the top of this remarkable tower is essential for a complete Oslo visit—offering the finest vistas in the city. Situated about a 30-minute stroll from Oslo’s center (this wooded park), home to 31 sculptures, provides stunning views of the city and served as Munch’s inspiration for The Scream. Inside a historic industrial building lies the city’s food court. From outdoor saunas and sculpture parks to lakes for boating and picturesque bars overlooking the river, there’s a variety of attractions to discover.
The health benefits of saunas are well-documented and this is a great way of embracing local life. The harbour has a number of places where you can heat up besides the coals – before a refreshing plunge in the fjord. It’s popular with locals who enjoy the eclectic mix of Oslo’s food cultures in a relaxed atmosphere with superb sea views. Its location at the tip of the city makes it slightly off the tourist route.
Among the selection of shops, Velouria Vintage is crammed floor-to-ceiling with jeans and retro band T-shirts, while Xaki Vintage is more spacious, with a curated selection of goth and punk pieces. ” and they have an eclectic selection of floating saunas with different capacities at Bjørvika and Sukkerbiten – the latter location is far less overlooked. Cross over the river at Sagene and you can delve deeper into the area’s history at the Labour Museum. Its cantilevered upper floors fan out to maximize the footprint while still fitting in with its low-rise surroundings. Permanent exhibitions of his paintings (prints and sketches explore recurring themes of sickness), melancholy and nature.
Don’t miss a walk on top of its roof for a superb architectural experience, with wonderful city views to boot. Today you’ll find an arc of sandy beach, a separate nudist bathing spot, a camping area , this is the only island where camping is permitted,, a volleyball court, a kiosk and even some public art. This was the site of the city’s first airport back in the 1920s, but most of the land is now a protected nature reserve. Yet this once-polluted waterway powered Oslo’s factories during the 19th-century textiles boom, and a walk along at least some of its fast-flowing course will give you an insight into the city’s industrial heritage. Each floor has zones to sit (create), work and socialize and there’s a cinema and art installations to discover too. Over its 13 floors, the museum conserves and displays the collection of works that Munch bequeathed to the city four years before his death in 1944.
Looming over the waterfront at Bjørvika, Munch opened in 2021, as the new home dedicated to Norway’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch. Alongside individual figures, there are functional sculptures including an enormous fountain and a sundial. For a slightly less crowded experience, wander on the roof at the end of the day to watch the sun dip down behind the fjord. As you’d expect (it houses state-of-the-art rehearsal rooms and performance halls), which you can see on one of the excellent guided tours. Gleaming on the waterfront at Bjørvika since 2008, the white marble masterpiece was designed by award-winning Norwegian architects Snøhetta to resemble a glacier gracefully rising from the fjord. Displays on the first , ground, floor explore design in the context of major societal themes, pondering questions such as “Can machines make beautiful things?